CHAPTER 256: Qin & Tang Extra 30

"Hello, Miss Tang. My name is Xiao Yuqing, but you can just call me Ah Xiao."

"Hello, Sister Ah Xiao." Tang Ruoyao shook hands with the young woman before her. Since the woman appeared about the same age as Guan Han, Tang Ruoyao thoughtfully added the respectful suffix "sister."

Ah Xiao immediately protested, "Please don't call me 'sister'! If Manager Guan finds out, she'll skin me alive."

Tang Ruoyao's eyebrows lifted slightly as she instantly understood who "Manager Guan" referred to.

Qin Yinong had six assistants under her. Guan Han was the personal assistant on call 24/7, while the others mainly attended to her daily needs during work engagements. Ah Xiao was one of them. After a year of training, Ah Xiao had shed much of her former impulsiveness and now maintained a professional demeanor, at least in front of outsiders. Today, Tang Ruoyao needed to go shopping, and since Qin Yinong couldn't accompany her, she sent Ah Xiao instead.

Tang Ruoyao had initially refused, saying it was just a small errand that didn't warrant using Qin Yinong's assistant. But Qin Yinong had countered with, "Are you treating me like an outsider?"

" And you don't understand—they spend all day playing around at the studio while Guan Han does all the real work, yet they still get generous salaries. Consider this helping me make the most of my resources."

Tang Ruoyao had no choice but to agree.

Ah Xiao arrived driving a car, doubling as a chauffeur. Throughout the trip, she remained courteous and respectful, addressing Tang Ruoyao as "Miss Tang" at every turn.

Seated in the back, Tang Ruoyao's fingers brushed against soft lambskin. She glanced down, running her fingertips over the surface of the leather handbag, her gaze tender. It was a gift from Qin Yinong last year. Though out of season now, she could finally carry it openly.

At the same time, Ah Xiao noticed the bag too.

Her eyes darted in recognition—it was the same one Qin Yinong had personally picked out during their overseas trip last year. Even Guan Han hadn't received such treatment. 'Tsk tsk, the boss's wife truly was special.'

Coming from modest means, Tang Ruoyao had little interest in luxury goods and was largely clueless about them. For events, brands styled her completely. Now, stepping into the boutique, she hesitated slightly before the glittering glass displays and the sales associates' polished enthusiasm.

Ah Xiao stepped forward gracefully. "We're looking for a necklace—a gift for a lady in her thirties. She's a university professor, so something elegant and dignified. Price isn't a concern."

The sales associate flashed a practiced sunny smile. "Certainly, please follow me."

Tang Ruoyao glanced at Ah Xiao, pressing her lips together lightly.

Before she could speak, Ah Xiao smiled. "I'm the assistant—this is my job. Otherwise, what am I here for? If Manager Guan finds out I didn't handle this properly, she really will skin me alive."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Does Assistant Guan enjoy skinning people that much?"

Ah Xiao replied, "Oh yes, she's extremely strict with us."

"And Teacher Qin...?"

Ah Xiao's smile deepened noticeably as she whispered, "Teacher Qin spoils us. Whenever Manager Guan scolds us, she pleads on our behalf."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help smiling.

Ah Xiao added, "But..."

"But what?"

"But this time, Teacher Qin sent me to accompany you shopping. If I don't do this well, she'll skin me alive too." She winked at Tang Ruoyao. "Teacher Qin cares for you very much."

Blushing at her words, Tang Ruoyao quickened her pace. "Let's go look at necklaces."

Ah Xiao, after all, was Qin Yinong's assistant, second only to Guan Han in the studio, and was well-versed in luxury brands. With her company, Tang Ruoyao's shopping trip became twice as productive.

Moreover, she secretly bought a pair of earrings for Qin Yinong and made Ah Xiao promise to keep it a secret.

At 5 p.m., Ah Xiao handed her over to Qin Yinong, who said, "I'll give you an extra month's bonus at the end of the month."

Ah Xiao was so thrilled she nearly jumped three feet in the air.

"Boss Qin is wise! Boss Qin is great! The sun rises in the east, and you alone—"

Qin Yinong waved her off. "Go home, stop being cheeky."

"Got it!"

Tang Ruoyao stared in disbelief.

Was this the same mature and steady Ah Xiao who had accompanied her all day? Were all of Qin Yinong's assistants this... schizophrenic in demeanor? She couldn't help but glance at Guan Han, standing expressionless beside her.

...The mental image was too terrifying for her to imagine.

Guan Han placed the purchased fruits and supplements in the trunk, then took the driver's seat and set off toward the Qin residence.

Qin Yinong held Tang Ruoyao's trembling hand and said, "Don't be nervous."

Tang Ruoyao pulled a tissue from the box behind her and wiped the sweat from her forehead.

She said, "I'm not nervous."

......

Qin Lunong received Qin Yinong's text: [Entering the neighborhood now.]

She called out to Ji Shulan, who was busy in the kitchen, "Mom, they're almost here."

Ji Shulan took off her apron and walked out. She was wearing a formal, sleeveless purple cheongsam. Glancing at Qin Lunong, she frowned slightly. "Shouldn't you change?"

Qin Lunong had merely dressed slightly more carefully than usual—a dark red V-neck silk blouse, black wide-leg pants, with half the blouse tucked in and the other half hanging loose, giving off a casual, lazy vibe.

Qin Lunong said, "No need. If we're too formal when my sister-in-law visits for the first time, it'll just make her nervous." Based on her impression of the "little cabbage," Qin Lunong thought not wearing pajamas was already a win.

"Ah?" Ji Shulan looked down at herself. "Then should I change into something more casual?"

Qin Lunong bluffed, "You're formal, I'm casual—it balances out. That way, she'll feel both our family's sincerity and our warmth."

Ji Shulan: "..." Is that how it works?

Qin Lunong swung her legs off the couch and stood up. "Let's go, Mom. If we dawdle any longer, they'll be at the door."

She draped a shawl over Ji Shulan's shoulders and linked arms with her as they walked to the front gate.

Once inside the neighborhood, Qin Yinong rolled down the car window halfway and pointed. "That's the house."

Tang Ruoyao's sweat was nearly blinding her as she kept wiping her forehead with tissues. As the wrought-iron gate drew closer, her legs grew weaker, and her heartbeat sped up. She said, "I—I need water."

Qin Yinong opened a fresh bottle of mineral water for her and soothed her gently, "Don't be afraid."

Before they entered the courtyard, Tang Ruoyao threw herself into Qin Yinong's arms, drawing strength from her embrace.

Qin Yinong patted her back softly.

"I'm here. Don't be scared."

Guan Han parked the black sedan in the courtyard and turned off the engine. Qin Lunong watched as the rear car door slowly opened. She placed her thumb and forefinger in an "O" shape in her mouth, pressed her slightly curled tongue against them, and took a deep breath, ready to strike.

Qin Yinong stepped out first, then turned to help Tang Ruoyao.

The moment Tang Ruoyao's feet touched the ground, a sharp whistle pierced the air.

Tang Ruoyao nearly jumped out of her skin: "!!!"

Qin Yinong was also startled, instinctively shielding Tang Ruoyao as she warily looked toward the source of the sound.

Qin Lunong lowered her hand with a beaming smile. "Hi."

Qin Yinong shot her a fierce glare that clearly said "I'll deal with you later."

She patted Tang Ruoyao's arm and whispered in her ear, "It's fine, just my sister playing a prank."

Tang Ruoyao, still shaken, grew even more anxious. Given the terrible impression she'd left on Qin Lunong last time, she was certain this scare had been deliberate.

Qin Yinong slid her hand down to grasp Tang Ruoyao's, leading her forward together.

"Mom, this is my girlfriend, Tang Ruoyao."

Ji Shulan smiled warmly. "Xiaotang."

Qin Yinong then introduced her to Tang Ruoyao. "Yaoyao, this is my mom."

Qin Lunong, who had been whistling earlier, remained silent but stood beside Ji Shulan with an mysterious smile that ratcheted up Tang Ruoyao's nerves. Her mouth moved before her brain could catch up, and she blurted out, "Mom."

Immediately regretting it, she hastily corrected, "Auntie."

Ji Shulan chuckled, smoothing things over. "Calling me 'Mom' is even better."

Qin Yinong first glared at Qin Lunong before guiding Tang Ruoyao's attention toward her. "This is my older sister, Qin Lunong." She emphasized, "Just call her 'sister' is fine."

Qin Lunong interjected, "No, no, let's avoid confusion. Call me 'Sister Lu' instead."

Tang Ruoyao strained her facial muscles into a sweet, demure smile. "Sister Lu."

Qin Lunong gave a noncommittal hum.

She wanted to tease them further, but Qin Yinong's protective glare was too obvious, so she reluctantly called a truce. "Don't just stand outside—let's talk inside."

The four of them entered, where a nanny paced the living room with a baby in her arms. Perhaps sensing unfamiliar presences, the child began to fuss. Qin Lunong, having changed her shoes, said, "Bring the baby here."

Tang Ruoyao looked surprised.

Qin Yinong explained softly, "This is my sister's daughter, Qin Jianing."

Tang Ruoyao's face fell with dismay as she whispered reproachfully, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Qin Yinong blinked. "Hmm?"

Tang Ruoyao started, "I—"

Before she could finish, Qin Lunong's voice rang out. Cradling the swaddled infant, she approached Tang Ruoyao. "Come meet your auntie's girlfriend."

Qin Yinong finally realized the problem.

Because Qin Yinong had forgotten about this little one who couldn't even speak yet, Tang Ruoyao hadn't brought a gift for Ningning.

Leaning close to Tang Ruoyao's ear, Qin Yinong murmured, "I'll have Guan Han buy something. If we send it after dinner, it'll still be in time."

Guan Han, who had just finished unloading the trunk, hurried back out to the car.

Tang Ruoyao gazed at the plump, rosy-cheeked baby and instantly fell in love. Her fingers itched with the urge to hold her. "Can I carry her?"

Qin Lunong handed the baby over, noting Tang Ruoyao's practiced hold with curiosity.

Tang Ruoyao explained, "I have a younger brother—I practically raised him."

Qin Lunong grinned. "What a coincidence—I raised Dudu too. She was such a troublemaker back then, always refusing to eat properly. I had to chase her around with a bowl to feed her."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Dudu?"

Qin Lunong replied, "Your girlfriend's nickname. Do you know why she's called that?"

Unconsciously, Tang Ruoyao broke into a wide smile. "Why?"

Qin Lunong laughed heartily and said, "She used to be all chubby, with pouty lips and a face that always looked grumpy, but she loved to laugh. Just a little tease would make her giggle, and when she laughed, her face would get even rounder, her eyes disappearing into little slits. Want to see her childhood photos?"

Tang Ruoyao: "Sure!"

Qin Yinong: "..."

Qin Lunong went to her room and brought out a yellowed old photo album, flipping to the pages with Qin Yinong's pictures, pointing them out one by one. She found that teasing about Qin Yinong with Tang Ruoyao was more interesting than teasing Tang Ruoyao, so she decisively chose the more fun option.

Tang Ruoyao: "Hahahaha, she really was so round!"

"Right? She was adorable as a child but grew fiercer as she got older." Qin Lunong said with a pout.

Qin Yinong protested, "Hey, what do you mean?"

Qin Lunong tsked, "See? You just admitted it yourself."

Tang Ruoyao watched the sisters bicker with great amusement. The baby Ningning in her arms had already warmed up to her and giggled while tugging at Tang Ruoyao's index finger. Suddenly, the little one opened her mouth—now sporting two tiny milk teeth—and softly called out, "Mama."

The pronunciation wasn't perfectly clear, but the word was unmistakable.

Qin Lunong turned to look at Tang Ruoyao, her face full of shock.

Do young people these days play this boldly?

Instinctively, Tang Ruoyao blurted, "Not me, it's her!" She pointed at the baby in her arms.

Qin Lunong was overjoyed and leaned in closer, coaxing, "Mama, say it again, Ma...ma..."

"..."

Ningning just kept giggling.

Qin Yinong said, "Maybe you misheard?"

Tang Ruoyao was certain she hadn't, but Qin Lunong was so excited that if it turned out to be a misunderstanding, it would only lead to disappointment. She hedged, "Maybe."

Qin Lunong tapped Ningning's soft cheek with her fingertip.

"Your mom could already talk at your age. Aren't you embarrassed you can't yet?"

"..."

Qin Lunong sighed. "Well, you'll say it eventually."

Just as she turned away to continue chatting with Qin Yinong, a clearer, brighter baby voice rang out behind her: "Mama."

Qin Lunong immediately turned back to coax her, but Ningning refused to say it again.

Tang Ruoyao gently brushed the tip of the baby's nose with her finger. The little one gazed up at her with big, sparkling eyes full of joy and repeated, "Mama."

Tang Ruoyao: "!!!"

Trembling, she stammered, "I-I'm not your mom! Your mom's over there!"

The baby only grew more enthusiastic, chanting, "Mama, mama, mama!"

Tang Ruoyao was on the verge of tears. "Stop calling me that!"

Qin Lunong's expression was complicated.

Qin Yinong's mood was even more complicated.

If she didn't know for certain that they'd never met before, she'd almost suspect Qin Jianing was Qin Lunong and Tang Ruoyao's daughter.

Qin Lunong whispered to Qin Yinong, "Are you sure the hospital didn't swap the babies?"

Qin Yinong shot back, "What are you thinking? If she were really Tang Ruoyao's child, wouldn't that mean I got cheated on?"

Qin Lunong raised an eyebrow and clapped her hands.

Tang Ruoyao hurriedly passed the "hot potato" back to her.

Qin Yinong also clapped, and Tang Ruoyao threw herself into her arms.

"I—I have no idea what's going on," Tang Ruoyao assured her. "I swear, today's the first time I've ever seen her."

"I know," Qin Yinong said. "Her own child isn't well-taught. It's not your fault."

Qin Lunong stubbornly persisted with Ningning.

"Say 'mama.'"

"..."

"Mama."

"..."

"Ma."

"..."

Finally, Qin Lunong beckoned Tang Ruoyao over. "Xiaotang, come here."

Qin Yinong accompanied Tang Ruoyao over and had Tang Ruoyao walk around in front of the little one.

Ningning's eyes sparkled: "Mama."

Tang Ruoyao almost fainted on the spot.

Qin Lunong pressed her lips together, smiling gently: "Xiaotang, why don't you be the child's godmother?"

Tang Ruoyao: "Huh?"

Qin Yinong: "No way! If she's the godmother and I'm the auntie, what kind of family hierarchy is that? I still have to marry her into the family!"

Before Tang Ruoyao could blush over the words "marry her," Qin Lunong said: "I'll recognize her as my god-sister. If you marry into our Qin family, aren't we still one family?"

Qin Yinong was nearly driven mad by her logic and roared: "What marry into the Qin family! My surname is Qin already!"

Qin Lunong waved her hand: "Oh, don't get hung up on the details."

Qin Yinong continued shouting: "Easy for you to say when it's not your details!"

Tang Ruoyao, standing closest to Qin Yinong, winced at the volume and instinctively turned her head to spare her ears.

Noticing her reaction, Qin Yinong felt like tearing Qin Lunong apart—her carefully cultivated image was ruined in an instant!

Qin Lunong flashed a triumphant, mischievous grin.

Suppressing her frustration for now, Qin Yinong led Tang Ruoyao upstairs. Once the door closed, she rested her chin on Tang Ruoyao's shoulder and sighed: "I act a little weird around my sister. I'm not usually like this."

"Can you usually be like that?"

"What?"

Tang Ruoyao hugged her, laughing: "I think it's adorable."

"What's adorable about it?"

"Everything." Tang Ruoyao said, "I thought you were the gentle, mature older sister type, but it turns out even you act like a kid in front of an even older sister."

"Well... that's just human nature."

Tang Ruoyao tilted her head and whispered in her ear: "I kind of want to be your sister too."

Qin Yinong chuckled.

Straightening up, she said: "Wouldn't that make us... incestu0us?"

"But there's no bl0od relation. Do you know about role-playing?"

"Like acting?"

"Something like that."

"Hmm."

Tang Ruoyao eagerly imagined Qin Yinong calling her "sister," while Qin Yinong tilted her head, clearly picturing the same scenario, before saying: "Feels strange. Let's talk about it later."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't hide her disappointment: "Okay."

Qin Yinong tapped her forehead, amused: "What on earth goes through that head of yours every day?"

Tang Ruoyao thought to herself: 'If I told you, you'd be shocked.'

Though if she really said it out loud, who would be the one "shocked" remained to be seen.

With Qin Lunong, the troublemaking dev!l, downstairs, Qin Yinong decided to stay upstairs with Tang Ruoyao, showing her around her home theater and study. Tang Ruoyao loved the theater and kept glancing back longingly as they left.

Seizing the moment, Qin Yinong said: "You can come over anytime to watch movies."

Tang Ruoyao hesitated: "Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"

"Not at all. My mom and sister both like you. Don't let my sister's teasing fool you—she's actually very kind-hearted."

"...Okay."

Seeing she was still uneasy, Qin Yinong didn't push. She could always invite her over more often—familiarity would ease the way. Sooner or later, they'd be family.

Qin Yinong received a call from Guan Han and stepped out for a few minutes before sneaking back in, discreetly adding something to the pile of gifts Tang Ruoyao had prepared.

She quietly went upstairs to inform Tang Ruoyao: "Guan Han bought a pair of silver bracelets and a longevity lock. I put them in the bag with the necklace you're giving my sister—you can present them together to the mother and daughter later."

Tang Ruoyao nodded to show she remembered.

Meanwhile, Qin Lunong had placed Ningning on the living room carpet. The little one, as usual, crawled toward her at lightning speed. Qin Lunong sat there, utterly baffled—why was this happening? Her own daughter, whom she painstakingly raised, called someone else "Mama," and that person had only met her once.

If Ningning had called Qin Yinong "Mama," she might have been able to accept it more easily.

Ningning finally reached her and happily grabbed Qin Lunong's hand, which was resting beside her.

Qin Lunong narrowed her eyes, swiftly scooped the child up, and flipped her onto her back.

Ningning blinked her innocent, wide eyes: "???"

Qin Jianing was quite adorable—she could roll from her stomach to her back with practiced ease, but she hadn't yet mastered rolling back. So once she was stuck on her back, she had to wait for someone to flip her over.

Qin Lunong smiled sweetly. "Call me 'Mama,' and I'll turn you back."

Ningning kicked her feet, closed her eyes, and peacefully lay down to sleep.

Qin Lunong: "..."

'Whose child is this? She must have been swapped at the hospital!'

The nanny helped place Ningning in the nursery's rocking cradle, where the baby, her cheeks flushed with sleep, dozed off soundly.

Aunt Fang, standing nearby, comforted her: "Children this young don't even understand the meaning of the words they say. It'll take another couple of months before they can match names to faces. Maybe she just called Miss Tang that because she was a stranger."

Qin Lunong took a sip of water and said graciously, "I know. We're all family—I'm not taking it to heart."

Aunt Fang nodded. "Good. Dinner's ready—I'll go call the second young lady and her for dinner."

She went upstairs and knocked on the master bedroom door. A low voice responded from inside, "Coming."

A few minutes later, the two finally came down.

Qin Lunong glanced at their freshly wiped-off lipstick, Tang Ruoyao's noticeably more flushed complexion, and the lingering traces of love in Qin Yinong's eyes when she looked at Tang Ruoyao—and immediately understood what they'd been up to.

Newly together couples would seize any chance to be int!mate—it was only natural.

The red wine had been decanted earlier. Qin Lunong, her left hand holding back her right sleeve, poured wine for everyone. Qin Yinong quickly stood up. "Let me do it."

Qin Lunong shot her a look.

Qin Yinong sat back down.

As the head of the household, Qin Lunong raised her glass first. "A toast to Miss Tang—thank you for taking care of my sister."

"I'm not worthy of such praise, we take care of each other." Tang Ruoyao replied humbly.

Their glasses clinked lightly. Qin Lunong took a small sip and smiled. "Our family doesn't stand on ceremony—no need to be formal. If you feel uncomfortable, Qin Yinong will cry to me later."

Qin Yinong: "..." 'Could she go one day without teasing me?'

Qin Lunong chuckled. "Enough talk—let's eat."

Qin Yinong focused on serving Tang Ruoyao with the serving chopsticks. Qin Lunong cleared her throat, prompting Qin Yinong to half-heartedly drop a fish ball onto her plate before turning back to Tang Ruoyao, asking softly what she'd like to eat next.

Tang Ruoyao sat stiffly, nudging Qin Yinong's foot under the table—only then did Qin Yinong relent.

After dinner, Qin Lunong brought a plate of cut fruit to the coffee table and sat on the sofa beside Tang Ruoyao. With her hands casually clasped and elbows resting on her knees, she began the interrogation session—asking about origins, destinations, family size, land per capita, and livestock. She inquired, "Where are you from, Xiaotang?"

"Z City, J Province."

"Our family is from A City, right next to Z City. That makes us fellow townsfolk!" Qin Lunong clapped her hands and laughed heartily, acting as if this was a remarkable coincidence.

"Y-yes, that's right."

Qin Yinong speared a piece of apple with a fork and handed it to Tang Ruoyao, who instinctively said, "Thank you," while her heart pounded nervously in her throat.

"Where do your parents work?"

"My father was in a car accident and has been unconscious in the hospital. My birth mother passed away when I was very young."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Tang Ruoyao smiled, her sharp features softening into an elegant grace.

Her smile struck Qin Lunong as oddly familiar, stirring fragments of memory that hovered just out of reach.

"You... your surname is Tang?" Qin Lunong didn't even know why she asked—it was like when she hit a roadblock in her experiments and had to retrace her steps.

Tang Ruoyao, equally puzzled, answered truthfully, "Yes."

"Tang... Tang Ruoyao... Tang..." Qin Lunong murmured, rubbing her temples with a slight frown.

Qin Yinong softly said, "Sister?"

Qin Lunong raised a hand to silence her.

Frowning, she asked, "What's your father's name?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "Tang Hanzhang. 'Han' as in 'contain,' 'Zhang' as in 'literature.'"

Qin Lunong's eyes suddenly lit up.

Both Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao were baffled. Tang Ruoyao asked, "You know my father?"

The subtle guard around Qin Lunong dissipated, and her gaze towards Tang Ruoyao became extremely soft. She couldn't help but laugh and say, "Not only do I know your father, I also know your mother."

Tang Ruoyao: "Huh?"

Qin Lunong said, "Was your mother named Zhuo Peiyun?"

Tang Ruoyao asked strangely, "How do you know?"

The apple Qin Yinong had just speared clattered to the floor along with the fork.

Tang Ruoyao's shoulders were suddenly turned as Qin Yinong gripped her, eyes blazing with excitement. "Your mother is Zhuo Peiyun?"

Tang Ruoyao nodded, confused. "Why do you both know my mother?" She was the only one who hadn't met her.

Qin Yinong cupped Tang Ruoyao's face, studying it intently—her brows, eyes, nose, lips—all so much like Zhuo Peiyun's. How had she not recognized it before?

Tang Ruoyao, nearly smothered, managed to mumble, "Can someone explain what's going on?"

Qin Lunong shrugged. "I'm not very familiar with Auntie Zhuo. You should ask Dudu."

Tang Ruoyao blinked.

Qin Yinong released her face, beaming with joy, and said. "Here's the thing—our families were neighbors. After your mother passed, your father moved away with you. I was sad for a long time."

Tang Ruoyao's eyes lit up and she said, "So... does that make us childhood sweethearts?"

"Of course," Qin Lunong cut in, grinning. "She even changed your diapers back then."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Qin Yinong's temple twitched. "Must you ruin the moment?"

Qin Lunong smirked. "Just stating facts. Isn't it romantic? Literally raising your future wife from infancy."

Qin Yinong blurted, "Romantic my—" She quickly swallowed her words, almost choking from holding back.

Tang Ruoyao mentally filled in the blank: 'ass.'

The childhood connection could be discussed later. She was afraid that if they continued, Qin Yinong would be angered to death by Qin Lunong's sharp tongue. Just then, the nanny came out holding the awake Ningning. Tang Ruoyao seized the opportunity to fetch the gifts.

Qin Lunong received a necklace, Ji Shulan a jade bracelet, while Qin Yinong's gift was hidden away to be given privately.

Finally, there was Ningning's longevity lock and silver bracelet. Since she already had a pair of silver bracelets, only the longevity lock was placed around her neck, its silver glow making her delicate face even more radiant. Qin Yinong, who hadn't had a chance to play with Ningning today, cradled her in her arms, soothing her.

Ningning's tiny warm hand grasped Qin Yinong's pinky finger, her big, dark eyes—like black grapes—staring intently at her aunt without blinking.

"Mama," she suddenly called out in a sweet, milky voice.

Author's Note:

Qin Lunong: ??? The fish cries and the water knows, but who knows when I cry?

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